When buying a car from the United States, Canada or other English-speaking countries, you will encounter a document called the Certificate of Title. It is the most important vehicle document — without a certified sworn translation, you cannot register the car in Poland. Here is everything you need to know.
What is a Certificate of Title?
A Certificate of Title is an official document issued by a US state authority or Canadian province confirming legal ownership of a vehicle. It is the equivalent of the Polish vehicle registration Part II (or German Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil II).
Each US state has its own title format, but all contain the same key information.
What does a Certificate of Title contain?
- VIN — 17-digit vehicle identification number
- Vehicle data — year, make, model, body type, colour
- Owner data — name or company, address
- Odometer reading — mileage at the time the title was issued
- Lien holder — information about any creditor (bank, leasing company)
- Title brand — vehicle status (Clean, Salvage, Rebuilt, Flood etc.)
Watch out for Title Brands: If the title shows "Salvage", "Rebuilt" or "Flood", the vehicle was seriously damaged. This may complicate or prevent registration in Poland.
What is a Bill of Sale?
A Bill of Sale is a purchase agreement confirming the transaction between seller and buyer. It contains the purchase price, transaction date and details of both parties. It is required by customs authorities to establish the tax base.
Why is a sworn translation required?
Polish vehicle registration offices require documents in Polish, or accompanied by a translation authenticated with the sworn translator's official stamp. Machine translation (Google Translate) or regular office translations are not accepted.
How much does it cost and how long does it take?
A sworn translation of a Certificate of Title costs from 60 to 100 PLN, depending on the document length and issuing state. Standard turnaround: 1–2 business days. Express service (24h) available including weekends.
Delivery: You will receive a PDF scan by e-mail on the same day. The original with stamp is sent by InPost/DHL/DPD courier, or you can collect it in person in Bydgoszcz.
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Sworn translations of US and Canadian vehicle documents — certified, with official stamp, accepted by all registration offices in Poland.
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